JP4984689B2 - Disk array control device, method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a disk array control device that controls a disk array device including a plurality of hard disk drives.

  Conventionally, various controls have been performed to reduce the power consumption of the disk array device. For example, a technique for reducing the power consumption of a disk array device by turning off the power of a hard disk drive that is not accessed for a certain period of time (hereinafter referred to as HDD) or stopping the rotation of the HDD disk that has not been accessed for a certain period of time. It has been known. In this case, when there is an access, the HDD is turned on or the disk starts rotating to make the HDD accessible.

  For example, in the disk array device described in Patent Document 1, if there is no access from a higher-level device to a certain HDD group for a predetermined time, the HDD group is set in a power saving mode. In recent years, such a technique is known as MAID (Massive Array of Idle Disk) (see Non-Patent Document 1).

  This MAID is mainly attracting attention as a technology for large-capacity disk backup and disk archive applications. However, it is not only disk backup and disk archiving that powers off the HDD or stops the rotation of the disk during periods when there is no access, but also the power consumption of a system that has a relatively long state without access to the HDD. It is widely effective in reducing.

Patent Document 2 discloses a disc recording / reproducing apparatus that records and reproduces a video signal and an audio signal in an HDD. This Patent Document 2 is not related to a disk array device, but in the paragraph 0037, when a recording or playback reservation is set, the HDD is set in accordance with the time when access to the HDD is started by the recording or playback. A technique of starting and warming up is disclosed.
JP 2000-293314 A JP 2002-251816 A Dennis Colorelli, Dirk Grunwald and Michael Neufeld. “The Case for Massive Arrays of Idle Disks (MAID)”, January 7, 2002

  There may be a mixture of HDD groups that are accessed all day in the disk array device and HDD groups that are not accessed at night. In that case, if the MAID as in Non-Patent Document 1 or Patent Document 1 is used, disks in the HDD group that are not accessed at night can be stopped, and power consumption can be reduced.

  However, generally, it takes about several tens of seconds to rotate the disk from a stopped state to make it accessible. For this reason, the response to the access to the HDD in which the disk is stopped is very slow compared to the response to the access to the normally operating HDD.

  Further, an operation for rotating a stopped disk (starting operation) and an operation for stopping a rotating disk (stopping operation) require a larger current than the normal operation.

  If a plurality of HDDs whose disks have been stopped are accessed almost simultaneously, a plurality of HDDs are activated simultaneously. Further, if the HDDs that are accessed almost simultaneously are not accessed for a certain period of time, the HDDs are stopped almost simultaneously. If the start operation or stop operation for a plurality of HDDs is concentrated in a short time, the current consumption may temporarily become very high. In addition, depending on the degree of concentration, there is a possibility that the current consumption may exceed the allowable value of the apparatus due to this.

  On the other hand, if a reservation is made to rotate the disk only during the daytime and not during the nighttime for the HDD group that is not accessed at night by using the technology as disclosed in Patent Document 2, the actual access can be made. Since the disk is rotated in advance before a certain time, quick response to access can be ensured. However, even if the time when the start and stop are reserved overlaps, the start operation or the stop operation occurs simultaneously. That is, the problem that the power consumption increases due to simultaneous occurrence of the start operation or the stop operation cannot be solved.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a disk array control device that can achieve both low power consumption and quick response to access while suppressing an increase in current consumption during start-up and stop operations.

In order to achieve the above object, the disk array control device of the present invention provides:
A disk array control device for controlling the disk status of each of a plurality of hard disk drives provided in the disk array,
A control time for controlling the disk state of each of the plurality of hard disk drives is obtained based on preset time information regarding start and stop of use, and the obtained control time is adjusted based on the correlation between the control times. A rotation control time determination unit to
A hard disk drive control unit that controls a disk state of the hard disk drive at the control time determined by the rotation control time determination unit.

  According to the present invention, since the disk state of the hard disk drive is controlled based on the preset use time, the power consumption can be reduced by putting the disk in the stopped state during the non-access time period, and the access time Fast response to access is achieved by rotating the disk in the belt. In addition, since the disk state of the hard disk drive is controlled based on the correlation between the preset use times, it is possible to suppress an increase in current consumption that occurs when the state changes due to the mutual relationship of the hard disk drives that change the disk state. .

An arbitrary logical unit is set on a storage area of the plurality of hard disk drives, and the preset time information is a use time set in association with the logical unit,
The rotation control time determination unit determines the control time of each of the hard disk drives from the association between the hard disk drive and the logical unit, the use time set for the logical unit, and the correlation between the use times. May be determined.

  According to this, since the control time for controlling the disk state of each hard disk drive is determined from the use time set for the logical unit arbitrarily set on the storage area by the plurality of hard disk drives, the user can determine the hard disk drive. Even if the use start time and use end time of the logical unit are set without being aware of the configuration, it is possible to achieve both low power consumption and quick response to access, and the mutual relationship between hard disk drives that change the disk state. An increase in current consumption caused by the relationship can be suppressed.

The use time includes a use start time and a use end time,
The rotation control time determination unit is configured to rotate the corresponding hard disk drive between the set use start time and the use end time, and simultaneously limit the number of hard disk drives that change the disk state. The control time of each hard disk drive may be determined.

  According to this, the number of hard disk drives whose state changes simultaneously is limited by adjusting the control time of each hard disk drive, so that the power consumption of the disk array can be prevented from exceeding an allowable value. In addition, since the control time of each hard disk drive is adjusted based on the correlation between the usage times of the hard disk drives, the user does not need to consider other usage times when inputting the usage time.

In addition, it further includes a state change time learning unit that measures a state change time required from the start to the end of the change in the disk state of the hard disk drive under the control of the hard disk drive control unit,
The rotation control time determination unit may use the state change time measured by the state change time learning unit when determining the control time of each of the hard disk drives.

  According to this, since the time required for the state change of each hard disk drive is measured and the control time is determined based on the actually measured time, even if the time required for the disk state change is different for each hard disk drive, The state change of the hard disk drive can be appropriately controlled.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to achieve both low power consumption and quick response to access, and to suppress an increase in current consumption caused by a change in state due to the mutual relationship of hard disk drives that change the disk state.

  Embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system according to the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, the system according to the first embodiment includes a processing device 1, a storage device 2, a plurality of HDDs 3, a host 4, an input device 5, and a clock 6.

  The processing device 1 includes a use time setting unit 11, a rotation control time determination unit 12, a time determination unit 13, and an HDD control unit 14.

  The use time setting unit 11 stores the use start time and the use end time for each HDD 3 given from the input device 5 in the use time storage unit 21. The use start time is a time when the target HDD 3 can be accessed thereafter. The use stop time is a time when the target HDD 3 is not accessed thereafter. Accordingly, the host 4 accesses the target HDD 3 only from the use start time to the use end time. The use start time and use end time are set values set from the input device 5 by the user.

  The rotation control time determination unit 12 determines each rotation start time and rotation stop time of the HDD 3 from the use start time and use end time stored in the use time storage unit 21 and records them in the rotation control time storage unit 22. . The rotation start time is a time at which a rotation start command for starting the rotation of the target HDD 3 is issued. The rotation stop time is a time at which a rotation stop command for stopping the rotation of the target HDD 3 is issued. The rotation start time and the rotation stop time are collectively referred to as a rotation control time. The rotation start time may be a time that takes a predetermined margin from the use start time. Further, the rotation end time may be a time when a predetermined margin is taken from the use end time.

  The time determination unit 13 acquires the current time from the clock 6 and determines that the rotation start time or rotation stop time of the HDD 3 stored in the rotation control time storage unit 22 is reached. Then, the time determination unit 13 transmits a rotation start command to the HDD control unit 14 so as to start the rotation of the HDD 3 at the rotation start time. Further, the time determination unit 13 transmits a rotation stop command to the HDD control unit 14 so as to stop the rotation of the HDD 3 that has reached the rotation stop time.

  The HDD control unit 14 issues a rotation start command and a rotation stop command received from the time determination unit 13 to the corresponding HDD 3. Further, the HDD control unit 14 performs processing for transferring commands and data between the host 4 and the HDD 3.

  The storage device 2 includes a use time storage unit 21 and a rotation control time storage unit 22.

  The use time storage unit 21 stores a use start time and a use stop time for each HDD 3.

  The rotation control time storage unit 22 stores a rotation start time and a rotation stop time for each HDD 3.

  The HDD 3 transmits / receives commands and data to / from the host 4 via the HDD control unit 14 and writes / reads data to / from the disk. In order to access the disk, it is necessary to rotate the disk, and the HDD 3 also controls the rotation. Upon receiving a rotation start command from the HDD control unit 14, the HDD 3 starts rotating the disk. When receiving a rotation stop command from the HDD control unit 14, the HDD 3 stops the rotation of the disk.

  The host 4 transmits / receives commands and data to / from the HDD 3 via the HDD control unit 14.

  The input device 5 notifies the usage time setting unit 11 of the usage start time and usage end time of each HDD 3 input by the user.

  The clock 6 provides the current time to the time determination unit 13.

  In the following description, for each of the plurality of HDDs 3, each HDD 3 is described as HDD [x] using a number x for identifying the HDD 3. The total number of HDDs 3 is represented by Max. That is, each HDD 3 is represented by HDD [1] to HDD [Max]. Further, the use start time [x] of the HDD [x] is used, the use end time of the HDD [x] is used as the use end time [x], and the rotation start time of the HDD [x] is set as the rotation start time [x]. The rotation stop time of HDD [x] is represented as rotation stop time [x].

  FIG. 2 is a table showing information recorded in the use time storage unit 21 in the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, the use time storage unit 21 records a use start time and a use end time for each HDD. FIG. 3 is a table showing information recorded in the rotation control time storage unit 22 in the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 3, the rotation control time storage unit 22 records a rotation start time and a rotation end time for each HDD, and further records an update flag indicating that the information has been updated.

  Next, the overall operation of the system of this embodiment will be described. The overall operation of the system mainly consists of rotation control time determination processing and HDD control processing. The rotation control time determination process and the HDD control process are performed in parallel or pseudo-parallel.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing rotation control time determination processing in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing HDD control processing in the first embodiment.

  Referring to FIG. 4, in the rotation control time determination process, first, the use time setting unit 11 waits for an input from the input device 5 (step A1) and determines whether or not there is an input (step A2). If there is no use start time or use end time, the use time setting unit 11 returns to step A1.

  If there is an input of the use start time or use end time from the input device 5, the use time setting unit 11 records the input use start time or use end time in the corresponding area of the use time storage unit 21 (step A3). ). At this time, for example, if the use start time of HDD [1] is input, the input value is stored as use start time [1] in the table of use time storage unit 21 shown in FIG. If the use end time of HDD [2] is input, the input value is stored as use end time [2] in the table of use time storage unit 21.

  Next, rotation control time determination unit 12 performs rotation control time setting processing (step A4). The rotation control time setting process is a process of determining the rotation start time and rotation stop time of all HDDs from the use start time and use end time stored in the use time storage unit 21 and recording them in the rotation control time storage unit 22. is there. Details of the rotation control time setting process will be described later.

  Subsequently, rotation control time determination unit 12 sets an update flag in rotation control time storage unit 22 (step A5) and returns to step A1.

  Referring to FIG. 5, in the HDD control process, first, the time determination unit 13 acquires the current time from the clock 6, and the current time is determined from the rotation start time and the rotation stop time stored in the rotation control time storage unit 22. The time closest to the current time is searched (step B1), and the corresponding time is set as the rotation control time [Next].

  Next, the time determination unit 13 checks whether or not the update flag of the rotation control time storage unit 22 is set (step B2). If the update flag is set, the time determination unit 13 clears the update flag (step B3) and returns to step B1.

  If the update flag is not set in step B2, the time determination unit 13 waits for the rotation control time [Next] (step B4) and determines whether the rotation control time [Next] has been reached (step B5). ). If the current time is not the rotation control time [Next], the time determination unit 13 returns to Step B2.

  When the rotation control time [Next] is reached, the time determination unit 13 determines whether or not the rotation control time [Next] is the rotation start time [Next] (step B6).

  If the rotation control time [Next] is the rotation start time, the time determination unit 13 issues a rotation start command to the corresponding HDD 3 through the HDD control unit 14 (step B7). In step B6, if the rotation control time [Next] is the rotation stop time, the time determination unit 13 issues a rotation stop command to the corresponding HDD 3 through the HDD control unit 14 (step B8).

  Next, the time determination unit 13 determines whether or not processing (command issuance) has been performed for all the HDDs 3 that have reached the rotation control time [Next] (step B9). If the processing has not been completed for all the HDDs 3 whose rotation control time [Next] has been reached, the time determination unit 13 returns to step B6 and performs the processing for the remaining HDDs 3. On the other hand, if the processing has been completed for all the HDDs 3 whose rotation control time is [Next], the time determination unit 13 returns to Step B1.

  6A to 6D are flowcharts showing details of the rotation control time setting process shown in step A4 of FIG. The rotation control time setting process includes a start fixed margin time setting process (FIG. 6A), a start adjustment margin time setting process (FIG. 6B), a stop fixed margin time setting process (FIG. 6C), and a stop adjustment margin time setting process (FIG. 6D). ).

  In FIG. 6A, the identifier of the HDD that is the target of the start fixed margin time setting process is denoted as n.

  In FIG. 6B, the identifier of the HDD that is the target of the start adjustment margin time setting process is denoted as n, and the identifier of the HDD that is the target of comparison of the rotation start time for setting is denoted as m. Further, in FIG. 6B, i is a number for counting the number of HDDs during processing.

  In FIG. 6C, the identifier of the HDD that is the target of the fixed stop margin time setting process is denoted by n.

  In FIG. 6D, the identifier of the HDD that is the target of the stop adjustment margin time setting process is denoted by n, and the identifier of the HDD that is the comparison target of the rotation start time and the rotation stop time for setting is denoted by m. Further, in FIG. 6D, i is a number for counting the number of HDDs during processing.

  First, the start fixed margin time setting process will be described with reference to FIG. 6A. Referring to FIG. 6A, first, rotation control time determination unit 12 sets rotation start time [1] as an object to be set by setting 1 as an identifier n that is a target of the start fixed margin time setting process (step C1). To do.

  Next, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether or not use start time [n] is stored in use time storage unit 21 (step C2). If the use start time [n] is stored, the rotation control time determination unit 12 sets the rotation start time [n] as a time obtained by subtracting the start fixed margin time from the use start time [n]. (Step C3). Here, the fixed start margin time is a margin that takes into account the time required to start the disk, and is set in advance to be longer than the time required to start the disk. The fixed start margin time may be the same value for all HDDs 3.

  Next, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether n is equal to Max (step C4). If n is not equal to Max, rotation control time determination unit 12 sets the next start fixed margin time setting process target as rotation start time [n + 1] (step C5), and performs the processes after step C2.

  In step C2, if the use start time [n] is not stored in the use time storage unit 21, the rotation control time determination unit 12 proceeds to step C4.

  The rotation control time determination unit 12 calculates the rotation start time for all the HDDs 3 whose use start times are stored in the use time storage unit 21 by repeating the processing of steps C2 to C5, and stores the rotation control time. Record in part 22.

  If n is equal to Max in step C4, rotation control time determination unit 12 ends the start fixed margin time setting process and proceeds to the start adjustment margin time setting process.

  Next, the start adjustment margin time setting process will be described with reference to FIG. 6B. Referring to FIG. 6B, the rotation control time determination unit 12 first sets 1 to the identifier n for the start adjustment margin time setting process (step C6), and sets the rotation start time [1] as the setting target.

  Next, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether or not rotation start time [n] is stored in rotation control time storage unit 22 (step C7). If the rotation start time [n] is stored, the rotation control time determination unit 12 sets 1 as the identifier m of the comparison target HDD, sets the rotation start time [1] as the comparison target, and sets the count value of the HDD. i is set to 1 (step C8).

  Subsequently, the rotation control time determination unit 12 compares m and n to check whether the target adjustment target HDD of the start adjustment margin time setting process is different from the comparison target HDD (step C9). If m and n are different, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether or not rotation start time [m] is stored in rotation control time storage unit 22 (step C10).

  If rotation start time [m] is stored in rotation control time storage unit 22, rotation control time determination unit 12 determines whether the difference between rotation start time [n] and rotation start time [m] is smaller than the allowable time. Whether or not is checked (step C11). The allowable time is a predetermined length of time, and is set to a value that is greater than both the time required to start the disk and the time required to stop. The allowable time may be set to the same time for all HDD combinations.

  If the difference between the rotation start time [n] and the rotation start time [m] is smaller than the allowable time, the rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to the count value i (step C12), and i is greater than the maximum allowable number. Is also larger (step C13). The maximum allowable number is such that even if the maximum allowable number of HDDs 3 starts or stops the disk at the same time and all the other HDDs 3 rotate the disk, the current consumption does not exceed the value allowed for the apparatus. Is set to

  If i is larger than the maximum allowable number, rotation control time determination unit 12 obtains the time obtained by subtracting the start adjustment margin time from rotation start time [n] stored in rotation control time storage unit 22 as rotation start time [n. ] Is recorded in the rotation control time storage unit 22 (step C14), i = 1 and m = 1 are set, and the process returns to step C9 to perform the subsequent processing. The start adjustment margin time is a margin that takes into account the time required to start the disk, and is set in advance to be longer than the time required to start the disk.

  If m and n are the same in step C9, if the rotation start time [m] is not stored in the rotation control time storage unit 22 in step C10, the rotation start time [n] and the rotation start time are stored in step C11. If the difference in [m] is greater than or equal to the allowable time, and if i is not greater than the maximum allowable number in step C13, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether m is equal to Max. (Step C16).

  If m is not equal to Max, rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to m (step C17), returns to step C9, and performs the subsequent processing.

  If rotation start time [n] is not stored in rotation control time storage unit 22 in step C7, and if m is equal to Max in step C16, rotation control time determination unit 12 determines whether n is equal to Max. Whether or not is checked (step C18). If n is not equal to Max, rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to n (step C19), returns to step C7, and performs the subsequent processing. If n is equal to Max, rotation control time determination unit 12 ends the start adjustment margin time setting process and proceeds to the stop adjustment margin time setting process.

  Next, the fixed stop margin time setting process will be described with reference to FIG. 6C. Referring to FIG. 6C, first, rotation control time determination unit 12 sets 1 as an identifier n that is a target of the fixed stop margin time setting process (step C20), and sets rotation stop time [1] as a setting target. Next, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether or not use end time [n] is stored in use time storage unit 21 (step C21). If the use end time [n] is stored, the rotation control time determination unit 12 sets the rotation stop time [n] as a time obtained by adding the stop fixed margin time to the use end time [n]. (Step C22). The fixed stop margin time has a predetermined time length and is set to a value larger than zero. The fixed stop margin time may be the same time for all HDDs.

  Next, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether n is equal to Max (step C23). If n is not equal to Max, rotation control time determination unit 12 sets the next stop fixed margin time setting process target as rotation stop time [n + 1] (step C24), returns to step C21, and performs the subsequent processing.

  If the use stop time [n] is not stored in the use time storage unit 21 in step C21, the rotation control time determination unit 12 proceeds to step C23.

  The rotation control time determination unit 12 repeats the processes of steps C21 to C24, thereby calculating the rotation stop time for all HDDs 3 whose use end times are stored in the use time storage unit 21, and storing the rotation control time. Record in part 22.

  If n is equal to Max in step C23, rotation control time determination unit 12 ends the fixed stop margin time setting process and proceeds to the stop adjustment margin time setting process.

  Next, the stop adjustment margin time setting process will be described with reference to FIG. 6D. Referring to FIG. 6D, the rotation control time determination unit 12 first sets 1 to the identifier n of the target of the stop adjustment margin time setting process (step C25), and sets the rotation stop time [1] as the setting target.

  Next, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether or not rotation stop time [n] is stored in rotation control time storage unit 22 (step C26). If the rotation stop time [n] is stored, the rotation control time determination unit 12 sets the rotation start time [1] as a comparison target by setting the identifier m of the comparison target HDD to 1, and counts the HDDs. A value i is set to 1 (step C27).

  Next, the rotation control time determination unit 12 compares m and n to check whether the target HDD for the stop adjustment margin time setting process is different from the comparison target HDD (step C28). If m and n are different, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether or not rotation start time [m] is stored in rotation control time storage unit 22 (step C29). If rotation start time [m] is stored in rotation control time storage unit 22, rotation control time determination unit 12 determines whether the difference between rotation stop time [n] and rotation start time [m] is smaller than the allowable time. Whether or not is checked (step C30). The allowable time is the same value as the allowable time used in step C11.

  If the difference between the rotation stop time [n] and the rotation start time [m] is smaller than the allowable time, the rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to the count value i (step C31), and i is greater than the maximum allowable number. Is also larger (step C32). The maximum allowable number uses the same value as the maximum allowable number used in step C13.

If i is larger than the maximum allowable number, rotation control time determination unit 12 sets rotation stop time [n] by adding a stop adjustment margin time to rotation stop time [n] stored in rotation control time storage unit 22. Is recorded in the rotation control time storage unit 22 (step C33).
Subsequently, rotation control time determination unit 12 sets i = 1 and m = 1, returns to step C28, and performs the subsequent processing. The stop adjustment margin time is a margin that takes into account the time required to stop the disk, and is set in advance to be longer than the time required to stop the disk.

  When the rotation start time [m] is not stored in the rotation control time storage unit 22 in step C29, the difference between the rotation stop time [n] and the rotation start time [m] is greater than or equal to the allowable time in step C30. If i is equal to or smaller than the maximum allowable number in step C32, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether rotation stop time [m] is stored in rotation control time storage unit 22 (step S32). C35).

  If rotation stop time [m] is stored in rotation control time storage unit 22, rotation control time determination unit 12 determines whether the difference between rotation stop time [n] and rotation stop time [m] is smaller than the allowable time. Whether or not is checked (step C36). The value of the allowable time in step C36 is the same as the allowable time in step C30.

  If the difference between the rotation stop time [n] and the rotation stop time [m] is smaller than the allowable time, the rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to the count value i (step C37), and i is greater than the maximum allowable number. Is also larger (step C38). The maximum allowable number in step C38 is the same as the maximum allowable number in step C32. If i is larger than the maximum allowable number, rotation control time determination unit 12 proceeds to step C33.

  When the rotation stop time [m] is not stored in the rotation control time storage unit 22 in Step C35, and the difference between the rotation stop time [n] and the rotation stop time [m] is greater than or equal to the allowable time in Step C36. If i is equal to or less than the maximum allowable number in step C38, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether m is equal to Max (step C39). If m is not equal to Max, rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to m (step C40), returns to step C28, and performs the subsequent processing.

  If the rotation stop time [n] is not stored in rotation control time storage unit 22 in step C26, and if m is Max in step C39, rotation control time determination unit 12 determines that n is Max. It is checked whether or not they are equal (step C41). If n is not equal to Max, rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to n (step C42), returns to step C26, and performs the subsequent processing. If n is equal to Max, rotation control time determination unit 12 ends the rotation control time setting process.

  By the start fixed margin time setting process (FIG. 6A) and the start adjustment margin time setting process (FIG. 6B) described above, the rotation start times are determined for all the HDDs 3 whose use start times are stored in the use time storage unit 21. It is recorded in the control time storage unit 22. Similarly, the rotation stop time is set for all HDDs 3 whose use end times are stored in the use time storage unit 21 by the stop fixed margin time setting process (FIG. 6C) and the stop adjustment margin time setting process (FIG. 6D). It is determined and recorded in the rotation control time storage unit 22.

  Next, a specific example of the operation in which the rotation control time determination unit 12 determines the rotation start time and the rotation stop time will be described.

  In this example, the number of HDDs 3 is 6. That is, Max = 6. The start fixed margin time is 2 minutes, the start adjustment margin time is 2 minutes, the stop fixed margin time is 3 minutes, the stop adjustment margin time is 2 minutes, the allowable time is 1 minute, and the maximum allowable number is 2. FIG. 7 is a table showing an example of the use start time and the use end time stored in the use time storage unit 21. It is assumed that the use time storage unit 21 stores the use start time shown in FIG.

  First, by the start fixed margin time setting process (steps C1 to C5), the rotation start time of HDD [1] to HDD [6] is set to a time that is 2 minutes earlier than the respective use start time by the start fixed margin time. Is done. FIG. 8A is a table showing a first example of the rotation control time set in the rotation control time storage unit 22 in the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8A, the rotation start time of HDD [1] to HDD [6] is set to a time that is two minutes earlier than the use start time shown in FIG.

  Next, the rotation control time determination unit 12 sets n = 1 (step C6), and executes the processing of steps C7 to C17, so that the rotation start time [1] is a time that is two minutes earlier than the start adjustment margin time. . FIG. 8B is a table showing a second example of the rotation control time set in the rotation control time storage unit 22 in the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8B, the rotation start time [1] is AM8: 26, which is two minutes earlier than the start adjustment margin time than FIG. 8A.

  Next, the rotation control time determination unit 12 sets n = 2 (steps C18 to C19), and executes the processes of steps C7 to C17, whereby the rotation start time [2] is advanced by 2 minutes of the start adjustment margin time. It is time. FIG. 8C is a table showing a third example of the rotation control time set in the rotation control time storage unit 22 in the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8C, the rotation start time [2] is AM8: 26, which is two minutes earlier than the start adjustment margin time than FIG. 8B.

  Next, rotation control time determination unit 12 sets n = 3 (steps C18 to C19), and executes the processes of steps C7 to C17. Here, the rotation start time [3] does not change and remains AM10: 58. Thereafter, the rotation control time determination unit 12 executes the processes of Steps C18 to C19 with n = 4, 5, 6 but the rotation start time [4], the rotation start time [5], and the rotation start time [6] It does not change.

  In this example, since n becomes equal to Max at this time (step C18), the rotation control time determination unit 12 ends the process of determining the rotation start time. As a result, the value shown in FIG. 8C is stored in the rotation control time storage unit 22.

  Next, by the stop fixed margin time setting process (steps C20 to C24), the rotation stop time of HDD [1] to HDD [6] is only 3 minutes of the stop fixed margin time from the use end time shown in FIG. A later time is set. FIG. 8D is a table showing a fourth example of the rotation control time set in the rotation control time storage unit 22 in the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8D, the rotation stop time of HDD [1] to HDD [6] is set to a time 3 minutes later than the use start time shown in FIG.

  Next, when the rotation control time determination unit 12 sets n = 1 (step C25) and executes the processes of steps C26 to C40, the value of the rotation stop time [1] does not change and is determined to be PM5: 18. Subsequently, when the rotation control time determination unit 12 sets n = 2, 3, and 4 (steps C41 to C42) and executes steps C26 to C40, the rotation stop time [2], the rotation stop time [3], and the rotation stop time The value of [4] does not change and remains in the state shown in FIG. 8D.

  Next, when the rotation control time determination unit 12 sets n = 5 (steps C41 to C42) and executes steps C26 to C40, the rotation stop time [5] becomes a time that is later by 2 minutes than the stop adjustment margin time. FIG. 8E is a table showing a fifth example of the rotation control time set in rotation control time storage unit 22. Referring to FIG. 8E, PM 11:00 that is 2 minutes later than the use start time shown in FIG. 8D is set at the rotation stop time [5].

  Next, when the rotation control time determination unit 12 sets n = 6 (steps C41 to C42) and executes the processing of steps C26 to C40, the rotation stop time [6] is delayed by 2 minutes of the stop adjustment margin time. . FIG. 8F is a table showing a sixth example of the rotation control time set in rotation control time storage unit 22. Referring to FIG. 8F, the rotation stop time [6] is set to PM 11:00 that is 2 minutes later than the use start time shown in FIG. 8E.

  By starting and stopping the rotation of the HDD 3 in accordance with the finally determined rotation start time and rotation stop time of FIG. 8F, more than two HDDs 3 that are the maximum allowable number are simultaneously activated or stopped. There is nothing. It is possible to control the rotation state of the disk so that the concentration of start and stop operations is suppressed and the current consumption does not exceed the allowable current value.

  Although an example in which time processing is performed in minutes is shown here, the present invention is not limited to this. As another example, time processing may be performed in finer units such as seconds.

  In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which one use start time and one use end time are set for each HDD, and one rotation start time and one rotation stop time are calculated. The invention is not limited to this. As another example, a plurality of use start times and use end times may be set, and expansion may be performed to calculate a plurality of rotation start times and rotation stop times.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the disk is rotated during the period from the use start time set for each HDD 3 to the use end time so that the disk can be accessed, and the disk is accessed in other time zones. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both low power consumption and quick response to access. In addition, in this embodiment, the rotation start time and the rotation stop time of each HDD 3 are adjusted to limit the number of HDDs 3 that are simultaneously started or stopped, so that the power consumption does not exceed the allowable value of the apparatus. Can be.

  In the present embodiment, the rotation start time and rotation stop time of each HDD 3 are adjusted based on the correlation between the use start time and use end time of each HDD 3, so the use start time and use end time of the HDD 3 are input. Sometimes the user does not need to consider the use start time and use end time of the other HDD 3.

(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a system according to the second embodiment. In the system of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the storage device 2 has a logical unit information storage unit 23 in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

  The logical unit is a unit to be accessed by the host 4. In addition, this logical unit is a concept of concealing the configuration of the HDD 3 from the host 4, and one logical unit may be configured across a plurality of HDDs 3. In this case, the logical unit may be configured by a RAID 3 (Redundant Arrays of Independent Disks) of the HDD 3. A plurality of logical units may be configured by dividing the address space of one HDD 3.

  The logical unit information storage unit 23 stores information (logical unit information) that associates the logical unit with the HDD 3.

  In this embodiment, the user can set the use start time and the use end time for each logical unit from the input device 5. The use start time is a time when the HDD 3 can be accessed as an access to the corresponding logical unit from the host thereafter, and the use end time is a time when the HDD 3 is accessed as an access to the corresponding logical unit from the host thereafter. The time is not accessed.

  The use time setting unit 11 records the use start time and use end time for each logical unit for each HDD 3. When the use time setting unit 11 is given the use start time and use end time of a certain logical unit (hereinafter referred to as “setting target logical unit”) from the input device 5, the use unit setting unit 11 stores the logical unit information stored in the logical unit information storage unit 23. Based on the above, the HDD 3 corresponding to the setting target logical unit (hereinafter referred to as “setting target HDD”) is examined. Then, the use time setting unit 11 uses the use start time and use end time given from the input device 5 as the use start time and use end time of the setting target logical unit in the obtained setting target HDD. To record.

  The use time storage unit 21 stores the use start time and the use end time for each logical unit for each HDD 3 and for all the logical units corresponding to the HDD 3.

  The rotation control time determination unit 12 determines the rotation start time and rotation stop time of each logical unit of each HDD 3 from the use start time and use end time stored in the use time storage unit 21, and the rotation control time storage unit 22. To record.

  The rotation control time storage unit 22 records, for each HDD 3, the rotation start time and rotation stop time for each logical unit for all the logical units included in the HDD 3. The rotation start time is a time at which a rotation start command for starting the rotation of the HDD 3 is issued. The rotation stop time is a time at which a rotation stop command for stopping the rotation of the HDD 3 is issued.

  Further, the rotation control time storage unit 22 stores logical unit information indicating the relationship between the HDD 3 and the logical unit in which the rotation control time is recorded as a valid flag. The valid flag is a flag for each logical unit included in each HDD 3 for each HDD 3, and indicates that the HDD 3 includes at least a part of the logical unit, and the rotation control time is set for the logical unit. Yes. If a valid flag of a certain logical unit in a certain HDD 3 is set, it indicates that the HDD 3 includes at least a part of the logical unit and the rotation control time is set for the logical unit. Yes.

  Further, the rotation control time storage unit 22 stores, for each logical unit, a unit use flag indicating whether or not the logical unit is accessible. If the unit use flag is set, it indicates that the logical unit is accessible. The state in which a logical unit is accessible refers to a state in which the disk of the HDD 3 that includes the logical unit is rotating.

  The time determination unit 13 acquires the current time from the clock 6 and transmits a rotation start command for starting the rotation of the HDD 3 at the rotation start time to the HDD control unit 14. In addition, the time determination unit 13 sets a unit use flag of the corresponding logical unit in the rotation control time storage unit 22 together.

  Further, the time determination unit 13 transmits a rotation stop command for stopping the rotation of the HDD 3 at the rotation stop time to the HDD control unit 14. At the same time, the time determination unit 13 clears the unit use flag of the corresponding logical unit in the rotation control time storage unit 22. At that time, when a certain logical unit (hereinafter referred to as “stop target logical unit”) reaches the rotation stop time, the time determination unit 13 refers to the valid flag and the unit use flag stored in the rotation control time storage unit 22. Thus, it is checked whether there is an accessible logical unit among the other logical units included in the HDD 3 (stop target HDD) including the stop target logical unit. Since the HDD 3 cannot be stopped if there is another logical unit in an accessible state, the time determination unit 13 does not transmit a rotation stop command to the HDD control unit 14 and sets the unit use flag of the logical unit to be stopped. clear. If there is no other logical unit in an accessible state, the time determination unit 13 transmits a rotation stop command for the HDD to be stopped to the HDD control unit 14.

  The HDD control unit 14 issues a rotation start command and a rotation stop command received from the time determination unit 13 to the corresponding HDD 3. In response to an access from the host 4, the HDD control unit 14 converts the addresses of the logical unit and the HDD 3 based on the logical unit information stored in the logical unit information storage unit 23, and converts the host 4 and the HDD 3. Transfers commands and data between them.

  In the following description, for each of the plurality of HDDs 3, each HDD 3 is described as HDD [x] using a number x for identifying the HDD 3. The total number of HDDs 3 is represented by Max. That is, each HDD 3 is represented by HDD [1] to HDD [Max]. Further, the number obtained by subtracting 1 from the maximum number of logical units that can be set is represented by Lmax. Note that the logical unit number starts from 0.

  For this reason, the maximum number of logical units is Lmax + 1. Furthermore, the use start time corresponding to the logical unit y in the HDD [x] is used as the use start time [x, y], and the use end time corresponding to the logical unit y in the HDD [x] is used as the use end time [x, y]. A rotation start time corresponding to the logical unit y of the HDD [x] is represented as a rotation start time [x, y], and a rotation stop time corresponding to the logical unit y of the HDD [x] is represented as a rotation stop time [x, y]. Also, the valid flag corresponding to the logical unit y of the HDD [x] is represented as a valid flag [x, y]. The valid flag [x, y] is a flag when the HDD [x] is associated with the logical unit y, and the flag is set when the HDD [x] is not associated with the logical unit y. Is in a cleared state. The unit usage flag of the logical unit y is represented as a unit usage flag [y]. The unit use flag [y] is set at a timing when the HDD 3 becomes accessible to the logical unit y, and is cleared at a timing when the logical unit y is not accessible. For example, when two or more logical units are allocated on the same HDD 3, the valid flag and the access flag access another logical unit even when access to one logical unit is unnecessary. This is used to determine that the HDD 3 must be rotated for this purpose.

  FIG. 10 is a table showing information recorded in the use time storage unit 21 in the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10, the use time storage unit 21 records the use start time and the use end time for each HDD and each logical unit. FIG. 11 is a table showing information recorded in the rotation control time storage unit 22 in the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 11, the rotation control time storage unit 22 records the rotation start time, the rotation end time, and the valid flag for each HDD and each logical unit, and further updates that information has been updated. A flag is recorded, and further, a unit use flag is recorded for each logical unit.

  Regarding configurations other than those described above, the system of the second embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  Next, differences between the overall operation of the system of the present embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing rotation control time determination processing in the second embodiment.

  Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 12, the difference from the flowchart of the rotation control time determination process in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is that when the use start time or the use end time is input from the input device 5 (step A2) The use time setting unit 11 determines the corresponding HDD 3 based on the logical unit information stored in the logical unit information storage unit 23 (step A10), and the corresponding logical unit of all the corresponding HDDs 3 is identified. The use start time or the use end time is recorded in the use time storage unit 21.

  Further, the content of the rotation start time determination process (step A11) in which the rotation control time determination unit 12 in the second embodiment determines the rotation start time is the same as the rotation control time setting process (step in FIG. 4) in the first embodiment. Different from A4). Details of the rotation control time setting process in the second embodiment will be described later.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing HDD control processing in the second embodiment. Differences from the flowchart of the HDD control processing in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the second embodiment, if the rotation control time [Next] is the rotation start time in step B6, the time determination unit 13 sets a unit use flag for the corresponding logical unit (step B10), and issues a rotation start command. Issue (step B7). In step B10, for example, if the time corresponding to the rotation control time [Next] is the rotation start time [x, y], the time determination unit 13 sets the validity flag [y]. If the valid flag [y] is already set, the flagged state is maintained.

  In step B6, if the rotation control time [Next] is the rotation stop time, the time determination unit 13 clears the unit use flag (step B11), and compares the valid flag of the corresponding HDD 3 with the unit use flag ( Step B12). For example, if the rotation control time [Next] is the rotation stop time [x, y], the unit use flag [y] is cleared in step B11, and the valid flag [x, 0] and the unit use flag [ 0], the valid flag [x, 1] and the unit use flag [1],..., The valid flag [x, Lmax] and the unit use flag [Lmax] are all compared. If neither flag is set, it is determined that the rotation of the disk of the HDD 3 is stopped. When it is determined that the rotation is stopped (step B13), the time determination unit 13 issues a rotation stop command to the corresponding HDD through the HDD control unit 14 (step B8), and the process proceeds to step B9. Even when it is determined in step B13 that the rotation is not stopped, the time determination unit 13 proceeds to step B9.

  14A to 14D are flowcharts showing details of the rotation control time setting process shown in step A11 of FIG. The rotation control time setting process includes a start fixed margin time setting process (FIG. 14A), a start adjustment margin time setting process (FIG. 14B), a stop fixed margin time setting process (FIG. 14C), and a stop adjustment margin time setting process (FIG. 14D). It becomes more.

  In FIG. 14A, the identifier of the HDD that is the target of the start fixed margin time setting process is denoted by n, and the number of the logical unit that is the target of the start fixed margin time setting process is denoted by L.

  In FIG. 14B, the identifier of the HDD that is the target of the start adjustment margin time setting process is denoted by n, the logical unit number that is the target of the start adjustment margin time setting process is denoted by L, and the rotation start time is compared for setting. The identifier of the target HDD is denoted by m, and the logical unit number for comparison of the rotation start time for setting is denoted by K. Furthermore, in FIG. 14B, i is a number for counting the number of HDDs during processing.

  In FIG. 14C, the identifier of the HDD that is the target of the fixed stop margin time setting process is denoted by n, and the logical unit number that is the target of the fixed stop margin time setting process is denoted by L.

  In FIG. 14D, the identifier of the HDD that is the target of the stop adjustment margin time setting process is denoted by n, and the number of the logical unit that is the target of the stop adjustment margin time setting process is denoted by L. The identifier of the HDD that is the comparison target of the stop time is denoted by m, and the logical unit number that is the comparison target of the rotation start time and the rotation stop time for setting is denoted by K. Further, in FIG. 14D, i is a number for counting the number of HDDs during processing.

  First, the start fixed margin time setting process will be described with reference to FIG. 14A. Referring to FIG. 14A, first, the rotation control time determination unit 12 sets 1 as the target identifier n of the start fixed margin time setting process and 0 as the target logical unit number L (step C101), and sets the rotation start time [ 1,0] is the setting target.

  Next, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether or not use start time [n, L] is stored in use time storage unit 21 (step C102). If the use start time [n, L] is stored, the rotation control time determination unit 12 sets the time obtained by subtracting the start fixed margin time from the use start time [n, L] as the rotation start time [n, L]. It records in the rotation control time memory | storage part 22 (step C103). Here, the fixed start margin time is a margin that takes into account the time required to start the disk, and is set in advance to be longer than the time required to start the disk. The fixed start margin time may be the same value for all HDDs.

  Next, rotation control time determination unit 12 sets valid flag [n, L] in rotation control time storage unit 22 (step C104) and checks whether L is equal to the maximum logical unit number Lmax (step C105). ). If L is not equal to Lmax, rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to L (step C106), returns to step C102, and performs the subsequent processing.

  If L is equal to Lmax in step C105, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether n is equal to Max (step C107). If n is equal to Max, rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to n (step C108), returns to step C102, and performs the subsequent processing.

  If the use start time [n, L] is not stored in the use time storage unit 21 in step C102, the rotation control time determination unit 12 proceeds to step C105.

  The rotation control time determination unit 12 repeats the processing of steps C102 to C108, thereby setting the rotation start time for all corresponding logical units of all HDDs 3 whose use start times are stored in the use time storage unit 21. Calculate and record in the rotation control time storage unit 22. In step C107, if n is equal to Max, rotation control time determination unit 12 ends the start fixed margin time setting process, and proceeds to the start adjustment margin time setting process.

  Next, the start adjustment margin time setting process will be described with reference to FIG. 14B. Referring to FIG. 14B, the rotation control time determination unit 12 first sets 1 to the identifier n of the target HDD for the start adjustment margin time setting process and sets 0 to the target logical unit number L (step C109). The rotation start time [1, 0] is set as the setting target.

  Subsequently, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether or not rotation start time [n, L] is stored in rotation control time storage unit 22 (step C110). If the rotation start time [n, L] is stored, the rotation control time determination unit 12 sets 1 to the identifier m of the comparison target HDD, sets 0 to the logical unit number K to be compared, The rotation start time [1, 0] is set as a comparison target. Further, the rotation control time determination unit 12 sets 1 to the count value i of the HDD (step C111).

  Then, the rotation control time determination unit 12 compares m and n to check whether or not the target adjustment target HDD of the start adjustment margin time setting process is different from the comparison target HDD (step C112). If m and n are different, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether or not rotation start time [m, K] is stored in rotation control time storage unit 22 (step C113).

  If rotation start time [m, K] is stored in rotation control time storage unit 22, rotation control time determination unit 12 determines that the difference between rotation start time [n, L] and rotation start time [m, K] is the same. It is checked whether the time is shorter than the allowable time (step C114). The allowable time is a predetermined length of time, and is set to a value that is greater than both the time required to start the disk and the time required to stop. The allowable time may be set to the same time for all HDD combinations.

  If the difference between the rotation start time [n, L] and the rotation start time [m, K] is smaller than the allowable time, the rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to the count value i (step C115). It is checked whether it is larger than the maximum allowable number (step C116). The maximum allowable number is set so that the current consumption does not exceed the value allowed for the apparatus even if the maximum allowable number of HDDs 3 starts or stops the disk at the same time and all the other HDDs 3 rotate the disk. Is set.

  If i is larger than the maximum allowable number, rotation control time determination unit 12 sets the rotation start time by subtracting the start adjustment margin time from rotation start time [n, L] stored in rotation control time storage unit 22. [N, L] is recorded in the rotation control time storage unit 22 (step C117), i = 1, m = 1, K = 0 (step C118), the process returns to step C112, and the subsequent processing is performed. The start adjustment margin time is a margin that takes into account the time required to start the disk, and is set in advance to be longer than the time required to start the disk.

  If the rotation start time [m, K] is not stored in the rotation control time storage unit 22 in step C113, the difference between the rotation start time [n, L] and the rotation start time [m, K] is allowed in step C114. If it is not less than the time, and i is not greater than the maximum allowable number in step C116, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether K is equal to Lmax (C119). If K is not equal to Lmax, rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to the value of K (step C120), returns to step C112, and performs the subsequent processing.

  If m and n are equal in step C112, or if K is equal to Lmax in step C119, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether m is equal to Max (step C121). If m is not equal to Max, rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to m, sets K = 0 (step C122), returns to step C112, and performs the subsequent processing.

  If rotation start time [n, L] is not stored in rotation control time storage unit 22 in step C110, or if m is equal to Max in step C121, rotation control time determination unit 12 determines that L is Lmax. It is checked whether or not they are equal (step C123). If L is not equal to Lmax, rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to L (step C124), returns to step C110, and performs the subsequent processing.

  If L is equal to Lmax in step C123, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether n is equal to Max (step C125). If n is not equal to Max, rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to n, sets L = 0 (step C126), returns to step C110, and performs the subsequent processing.

  If n is equal to Max in step C125, rotation control time determination unit 12 proceeds to a fixed stop margin time setting process.

  Next, stop fixed margin time setting processing will be described with reference to FIG. 14C. Referring to FIG. 14C, the rotation control time determination unit 12 first sets 1 to the identifier n of the target HDD for the fixed stop margin time setting process, and sets 0 to the target logical unit number L (step C127). The rotation stop time [1, 0] is set as a setting target.

  Next, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether or not use end time [n, L] is stored in use time storage unit 21 (step C128). If the use end time [n, L] is stored, the rotation control time determination unit 12 sets the time obtained by adding the stop fixed margin time to the use end time [n, L] as the rotation stop time [n, L]. It records in the rotation control time memory | storage part 22 (step C129). The fixed stop margin time has a predetermined time length and is set to a value larger than zero. The fixed stop margin time may be the same time for all HDDs.

  Next, rotation control time determination unit 12 sets valid flag [n, L] in rotation control time storage unit 22 (step C130).

  Next, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether L is equal to Lmax (step C131). If L is not equal to Lmax, rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to L (step C132), returns to step 128, and performs the subsequent processing.

  In step C131, if L is equal to Lmax, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether n is equal to Max (step C133). If n is not equal to Max, rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to n (step C134), returns to step 128, and performs the subsequent processing.

  If the use end time [n, L] is not stored in the use time storage unit 21 in step 128, the rotation control time determination unit 12 proceeds to step C131.

  The rotation control time determination unit 12 repeats the processes of steps C128 to C134 to thereby set rotation stop times for all corresponding logical units of all HDDs 3 whose use end times are stored in the use time storage unit 21. Calculate and record in the rotation control time storage unit 22.

  If n is equal to Max in step C133, rotation control time determination unit 12 ends the fixed stop margin time setting process and proceeds to the stop adjustment margin time setting process.

  Next, the stop adjustment margin time setting process will be described with reference to FIG. 14D. Referring to FIG. 14D, the rotation control time determination unit 12 first sets 1 to the identifier n of the target HDD for the stop adjustment margin time setting process, and sets 0 to the target logical unit number L (step C135). The rotation stop time [1, 0] is set as a setting target.

  Next, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether or not rotation stop time [n, L] is stored in rotation control time storage unit 22 (step C136). If the rotation stop time [n, L] is stored, the rotation control time determination unit 12 sets 1 to the identifier m of the comparison target HDD, sets 0 to the comparison target logical unit number K, and sets the rotation start time. [1, 0] and rotation stop time [1, 0] are to be compared. The rotation control time determination unit 12 sets 1 to the HDD count value i (step C137).

  Next, rotation control time determination unit 12 compares m with n to determine whether the target HDD for stop adjustment margin time setting processing is different from the comparison target HDD (step C138). If m and n are different, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether rotation start time [m, K] is stored in rotation control time storage unit 22 (step C139). If rotation start time [m, K] is stored in rotation control time storage unit 22, rotation control time determination unit 12 determines that the difference between rotation stop time [n, L] and rotation start time [m, K] is the same. It is checked whether the time is shorter than the allowable time (step C140). The allowable time is the same value as the allowable time used in step C114.

  If the difference between the rotation stop time [n, L] and the rotation start time [m, K] is smaller than the allowable time, the rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to the count value i (step C141), It is checked whether it is larger than the maximum allowable number (step C142). The maximum allowable number uses the same value as the maximum allowable number used in step C116.

  If i is larger than the maximum allowable number, the rotation control time determination unit 12 sets the rotation stop time by adding the stop adjustment margin time to the rotation stop time [n, L] stored in the rotation control time storage unit 22. [N, L] is recorded in the rotation control time storage unit 22 (step C143), i = 1, m = 1, K = 0, and the process returns to step C138 to perform the subsequent processing. The stop adjustment margin time is a margin that takes into account the time required to stop the disk, and is set in advance to be longer than the time required to stop the disk.

  If the rotation start time [m, K] is not stored in the rotation control time storage unit 22 in step C139, the difference between the rotation stop time [n, L] and the rotation start time [m, K] is allowed in step C140. If it is greater than or equal to the time, and i is less than or equal to the maximum allowable number in step C142, rotation control time determination unit 12 stores rotation stop time [m, K] in rotation control time storage unit 22. It is checked whether or not (step C145).

  If rotation stop time [m, K] is stored in rotation control time storage unit 22, rotation control time determination unit 12 determines the difference between rotation stop time [n, L] and rotation stop time [m, K]. It is checked whether the time is shorter than the allowable time (step C146). The value of the allowable time in step C146 is the same as the allowable time in step C140.

  If the difference between the rotation stop time [n, L] and the rotation stop time [m, K] is smaller than the allowable time, the rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to the count value i (step C147). It is checked whether it is larger than the maximum allowable number (step C148). The maximum allowable number in step C148 is the same as the maximum allowable number in step C142.

  If i is larger than the maximum allowable number, rotation control time determination unit 12 proceeds to step C143.

  If the rotation stop time [m, K] is not stored in the rotation control time storage unit 22 in step C145, the difference between the rotation stop time [n, L] and the rotation stop time [m, K] is allowed in step C146. If it is greater than or equal to the time and i is less than or equal to the maximum allowable number in step C148, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether K is equal to Lmax (step C149). If K is not equal to Lmax, rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to K (step C150), returns to step C138, and performs the subsequent processing.

  If m is equal to n in step C138, and K is Lmax in step C149, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether m is equal to Max (step C151).

  If m is not equal to Max, rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to m, sets K = 0 (step C152), returns to step C138, and performs the subsequent processing.

  If rotation stop time [n, L] is not stored in rotation control time storage unit 22 in step C136, or if m is Max in step C151, rotation control time determination unit 12 determines that L is Lmax. It is checked whether or not they are equal (step C153).

  If L is not equal to Lmax, rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to L (step C154), returns to step C136, and performs the subsequent processing. In step C153, if L is equal to Lmax, rotation control time determination unit 12 checks whether n is equal to Max (step C155). If n is not equal to Max, rotation control time determination unit 12 adds 1 to n, sets L = 0 (step C156), returns to step C136, and performs the subsequent processing. If n is equal to Max in step C155, rotation control time determination unit 12 ends the rotation control time setting process.

  By the above-described start fixed margin time setting process (FIG. 14A) and start adjustment margin time setting process (FIG. 14B), all HDDs whose use start times are stored in the use time storage unit 21 are associated with the associated logical units. The rotation start time is determined and stored in the rotation control time storage unit 22, and the valid flag is set. Similarly, all the HDDs whose use end times are stored in the use time storage unit 21 are associated with each other by the stop fixed margin time setting process (FIG. 14C) and the stop adjustment margin time setting process (FIG. 14D). The rotation stop time for the logical unit is determined and stored in the rotation control time storage unit 22, and the valid flag is set.

  Next, a specific example of the operation in which the rotation control time determination unit 12 determines the rotation start time and the rotation stop time will be described.

  In this example, the number of HDDs 3 is four. That is, Max = 4. The start fixed margin time is 2 minutes, the start adjustment margin time is 2 minutes, the stop fixed margin time is 3 minutes, the stop adjustment margin time is 2 minutes, the allowable time is 1 minute, and the maximum allowable number is 2. The number of logical units is 3. That is, Lmax = 2. FIG. 15 is a table showing an example of logical unit information recorded in the logical unit information storage unit 23. FIG. 16 is a table showing an example of the use start time and the use end time stored in the use time storage unit 21.

  Here, it is assumed that the logical unit information shown in FIG. 15 is set in the logical unit information storage unit 23 and the logical unit and the address of the HDD 3 are associated with each other. In the setting of FIG. 15, the logical unit 0 is composed of HDD [1] and HDD [2], and the logical unit 1 is composed of HDD [3] and HDD [4]. The logical unit 2 is composed of HDD [1] and HDD [2]. Here, it is assumed that the use time storage unit 21 stores the use start time shown in FIG.

  First, by the start fixed margin time setting process (steps C101 to C108), the rotation start time of each logical unit corresponding to HDD [1] to HDD [4] is 2 minutes of the start fixed margin time from the respective use start time. The earlier time is set. In addition, a valid flag is set for the logical unit in which the rotation start time is set. FIG. 17A is a table showing a first example of information set in the rotation control time storage unit 22 in the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 17A, a rotation start time that is two minutes earlier than the use start time shown in FIG. 16 is set. In the drawing, the state where the flag is set is represented by “1”, and the state where the flag is cleared is represented by “0”. Also, in FIGS. 17A to 17D, the notation of the unit use flag and the update flag in the rotation control time storage unit 22 is omitted.

  Next, the rotation control time determination unit 12 sets n = 1 and L = 0 (step C109) and executes steps C110 to C122, so that the rotation start time [1, 0] is only two minutes of the start adjustment margin time. It will be early.

  Next, rotation control time determination unit 12 sets L = 1 (steps C123 to C124), and executes step C110. However, since rotation start time [1, 1] is not stored here, L = 2 is set. Proceed (step C123 to step C124).

  When rotation control time determination unit 12 executes steps C110 to C122 until m = 4 for rotation start time [1,2], rotation start time [1,2] remains unchanged at PM10: 58. Thereafter, since L = Lmax in step C123, rotation control time determination unit 12 sets n = 2 and L = 0 (steps C125 to C126), and repeats steps C110 to C124. Accordingly, the rotation start time [2, 0] is determined to be AM8: 26, and the rotation start time [2, 2] is determined to be PM10: 58.

  Further, when rotation control time determination unit 12 repeatedly executes steps C110 to C126 for n = 3 and 4, the values of rotation start time [3, 1] and rotation start time [4, 1] remain AM8: 28. does not change. Since n becomes equal to Max at this time (step C124), the rotation control time determination unit 12 ends the rotation start time determination process. As a result, the value shown in FIG. 17B is stored in the rotation control time storage unit 22.

  Next, by the fixed stop margin time process (steps C127 to C134), the rotation stop time corresponding to each logical unit from HDD [1] to HDD [4] is fixed from the start time of use (FIG. 16). A time later by 3 minutes than the margin time is set. FIG. 17C is a table showing a third example of the rotation control time set in the rotation control time storage unit 22 in the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 17C, the rotation control time storage unit 22 records a rotation stop time that is 3 minutes later than the use start time shown in FIG. Since all the corresponding valid flags are set by the start fixed margin time setting process, the state of the valid flag does not change here.

  Next, when the rotation control time determination unit 12 executes the stop adjustment margin time process (steps C135 to C156), the rotation stop time is determined to be the same value as before the stop adjustment margin time process, and the rotation start time and The rotation stop time is determined to the value shown in FIG. 17C.

  By starting and stopping the rotation of the HDD 3 according to the finally determined rotation start time and rotation stop time of FIG. 17C, more than two HDDs 3 that are the maximum allowable number are simultaneously started and stopped. There is nothing. It is possible to control the rotation state of the disk so that the concentration of start and stop operations is suppressed and the current consumption does not exceed the allowable current value.

  In this embodiment, the rotation start time is set by the number of corresponding logical units for one HDD 3, but the disk of the HDD 3 that has received the rotation start command has already been rotated. Therefore, a rotation start command for one logical unit does not affect access to the area of another logical unit.

  In this embodiment, the rotation stop time is set by the number of corresponding logical units for one HDD 3. However, if it is necessary to rotate the HDD 3 for use of other logical units, the rotation is rotated. Since a stop command is not issued, a rotation stop command for a certain logical unit does not affect access to areas of other logical units.

  Moreover, although the example which performs the process of time in a minute unit was shown in this embodiment, this invention is not limited to this. As another example, time processing may be performed in finer units such as seconds.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is necessary to make it accessible from the use start time and use end time set for the logical unit arbitrarily set on the storage area of the plurality of HDDs 3. The disk of the HDD 3 including the logical unit is rotated, and the disk of the HDD 3 not including the logical unit that needs to be accessible is stopped. Therefore, even if the user sets the use start time and use end time of the logical unit without being conscious of the configuration of the HDD 3, it is possible to achieve both low power consumption and quick response to access. In addition, in this embodiment, the rotation start time and the rotation stop time of each HDD 3 are adjusted to limit the number of HDDs 3 that are simultaneously started or stopped, so that the power consumption does not exceed the allowable value of the apparatus. Can be.

  In this embodiment, since the rotation start time and rotation stop time of each HDD 3 are adjusted from the correlation between the use start time and use end time of each logical unit, the user can input the use start time and use end time. There is no need to consider the use start time and use end time of other logical units and the relationship between the HDD 3 and the logical unit.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a system according to the third embodiment. The system of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 18 is in addition to the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
The processing device 1 has a state change time learning unit 15, and the storage device 2 has a margin time storage unit 24.

  When the HDD control unit 14 issues a rotation start command to the HDD 3, the activation learning unit 15 receives a command notification from the HDD control unit 14, acquires the time from the clock 6, and records it in the margin time storage unit 24 as the command time. To do. Note that the time acquired from time 6 is the current time at that time.

  When the HDD control unit 14 receives a response to the rotation start command from the HDD 3, the activation learning unit 15 receives the response notification from the HDD control unit 14, acquires the time from the clock 6, and stores the margin time as the response time. Record in part 24.

  The activation learning unit 15 calculates the activation time, the start fixed margin time, and the start adjustment margin time from the command time and the response time, and records them in the start margin time storage unit 24.

  The margin time storage unit 24 stores the command time, response time, start time, start fixed margin time, and start adjustment margin time for each HDD 3.

  When the HDD control unit 14 issues a rotation start command to the HDD 3, the HDD control unit 14 transmits a command notification to that effect to the activation learning unit 15. When the HDD control unit 14 receives a response to the rotation start command from the HDD 3, the HDD control unit 14 notifies the activation learning unit 15 of a response notification to that effect.

  Further, the HDD 3 of this embodiment receives a rotation start command from the HDD control unit 14 and starts rotating the disk. When the HDD 3 becomes accessible, it returns a response to the HDD control unit 14.

  In the following description, for each of the plurality of HDDs 3, each HDD 3 is described as HDD [x] using a number x for identifying the HDD 3. The total number of HDDs 3 is represented by Max. That is, each HDD 3 is represented by HDD [1] to HDD [Max]. Also, the instruction time of HDD [x] is the instruction time [x], the response time of HDD [x] is the response time [x], the activation time of HDD [x] is the activation time [x], and the start of HDD [x] The fixed margin time is represented as start fixed margin time [x], and the start adjustment margin time of HDD [x] is represented as start adjustment margin time [x]. FIG. 19 is a table showing information stored in the margin time storage unit 24 in the third embodiment. When the above-described terms are used, information stored in the margin time storage unit 24 is as shown in FIG.

  Regarding configurations other than those described above, the system of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment.

  Next, differences between the overall operation of the system of the present embodiment and the first embodiment will be mainly described. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating HDD control processing according to the third embodiment.

  Referring to the flowchart in FIG. 20, the HDD control process flowchart in the first embodiment shown in FIG. If the rotation control time [Next] is the rotation start time in step B6, the time determination unit 13 issues a rotation start command to the corresponding HDD through the HDD control unit 14 (step B7). Receiving the rotation start command, the HDD control unit 14 sends a command notification to the activation learning unit 15 (step B20). The command notification sent from the HDD control unit 14 to the activation learning unit 15 includes information indicating to which HDD the rotation start command has been issued.

  Upon receiving the instruction notification, the activation learning unit 15 acquires the time from the clock 6 and stores it in the instruction time area of the corresponding HDD in the margin time storage unit 24 (step B21).

  In step B6, if the rotation control time [Next] is the rotation stop time, the time determination unit 13 issues a rotation stop command to the corresponding HDD through the HDD control unit 14 (step B8).

  If there are a plurality of HDDs 3 corresponding to the rotation control time [Next], the time determination unit 13 returns to step B6 and repeats the processes of steps B7, B20, B21, and B8 for all corresponding HDDs 3 (step B22). .

  When a rotation start command or a rotation stop command is issued for all rotation control times [Next], the time determination unit 13 issues a response from the HDD 3 if at least one rotation start command has been issued (step B23). Wait (step B24). When the HDD control unit 14 receives a response from the HDD 3 (step B25), the HDD control unit 14 sends a response notification to the activation learning unit 15. The response notification sent from the HDD control unit 14 to the activation learning unit 15 includes information indicating which HDD has received the response. Upon receiving the response notification, the activation learning unit 15 acquires the time from the clock 6 and stores it in the response time area of the corresponding HDD in the margin time storage unit 24 (step B26).

  Next, the activation learning unit 15 calculates the activation time by subtracting the command time from the response time stored in the margin time storage unit 24, and stores it in the activation time area of the corresponding HDD in the margin time storage unit 24 (step). B27).

  Next, the activation learning unit 15 calculates a start fixed margin time by adding the start fixed margin correction time to the activation time stored in the margin time storage unit 24, and starts the fixed margin of the corresponding HDD 3 in the margin time storage unit 24. Store in the time domain (step B28). The start fixed margin correction time is a preset time and may be the same time for all HDDs 3.

  Next, the activation learning unit 15 calculates a start adjustment margin time by adding the start adjustment margin correction time to the activation time stored in the margin time storage unit 24, and starts adjustment of the corresponding HDD 3 in the margin time storage unit 24 Store in the margin time area (step B29). The start adjustment margin correction time is a preset time and may be the same time for all HDDs 3.

  Next, if there is a response to all the issued rotation start commands (step B30), the process proceeds to step B1. When there is no response at step 25 and when there is a rotation start command that has not yet received a response at step B30, the process proceeds to step B24.

  By the HDD control processing shown in FIG. 20, a fixed start margin time and a start adjustment margin time based on actual measurement are set for the HDD 3 for which a rotation start command has been issued even once.

  In addition, the flowchart of the rotation control time determination process in this embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the flowchart of the rotation control time setting process in which the rotation control time determination unit 12 determines the rotation start time and the rotation stop time is the same as that in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. is there.

  However, for the fixed start margin time used in step C3 in FIG. 6A and the start adjustment margin time used in step C14 in FIG. 6B, values for each HDD 3 stored in the start margin time storage unit 24 are used.

  If the start fixed margin time or the start adjustment margin time is not stored in the margin time storage unit 24, a preset value is used. The start fixed margin time and the start adjustment margin time set in advance may be set to values larger than the maximum time required to start the disk of each HDD 3.

  FIG. 21 is a table showing a specific example of information stored in the margin time storage unit 24 in the third embodiment. In this example, the number of HDDs 3 is four. That is, Max = 4. The start fixed margin correction time is 1 minute, and the start adjustment margin correction time is 1 minute.

  FIG. 21 shows an example in which one or more rotation start instructions are issued to each of HDD [1] and HDD [2], and steps B5 to B30 in FIG. 20 are executed.

  In this example, both HDD [1] and HDD [2] have the same instruction time as AM8: 25, but regarding the response time, HDD [1] is AM8: 26 and HDD [2] is AM8: 28. Is different. Thus, HDD [1] has a startup time of 1 minute, and HDD [2] has a startup time of 3 minutes. In other words, HDD [2] means that the time required to start the disk is longer than HDD [1]. According to the rotation control time determination process of the present embodiment shown in FIG. 20, the start fixed margin time and start adjustment margin time of HDD [2] are two minutes than the start fixed margin time and start adjustment margin time of HDD [1]. It is set longer each time.

  In this embodiment, the start fixed margin time and the start adjustment margin time are learned based on actual measurement. However, the stop fixed margin time and the stop adjustment margin time can be learned by the same method. In this case, when the HDD control unit 14 receives a response to the rotation stop command, the state change time learning unit 15 calculates the time required for rotation stop (stop time), and the correction value (stop fixed margin correction time and stop adjustment margin). The stop fixed margin time and the stop adjustment margin time can be calculated by adding (correction time).

  Moreover, although the example which performs the process of time in a minute unit was shown in this embodiment, this invention is not limited to this. As another example, time processing may be performed in finer units such as seconds.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the state change time learning unit 15 actually measures the start time (stop time) of each HDD 3, calculates the margin time for each HDD 3, and the rotation control time determination unit 12 Since the rotation control time is determined using the margin time, the disk state of each HDD 3 can be controlled to an appropriate time even if the disk start-up time differs depending on the HDD 3. As a result, it is possible to achieve both low power consumption and quick response to access, and prevent the power consumption from exceeding the allowable value of the apparatus by simultaneously starting the HDD 3.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the system by 1st Embodiment. It is a table which shows the information recorded on the utilization time memory | storage part 21 in 1st Embodiment. It is a table which shows the information recorded on rotation control time storage part 22 in a 1st embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the rotation control time determination process in 1st Embodiment. 4 is a flowchart illustrating HDD control processing according to the first embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the rotation control time setting process shown to step A4 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the rotation control time setting process shown to step A4 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the rotation control time setting process shown to step A4 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the rotation control time setting process shown to step A4 of FIG. It is a table which shows an example of the utilization time set to the utilization time memory | storage part 21 in 1st Embodiment. It is a table which shows the 1st example of the rotation control time set to the rotation control time memory | storage part 22 in 1st Embodiment. It is a table which shows the 2nd example of the rotation control time set to the rotation control time memory | storage part 22 in 1st Embodiment. It is a table which shows the 3rd example of the rotation control time set to the rotation control time memory | storage part 22 in 1st Embodiment. It is a table which shows the 4th example of the rotation control time set to the rotation control time memory | storage part 22 in 1st Embodiment. It is a table which shows the 5th example of the rotation control time set to the rotation control time memory | storage part 22 in 1st Embodiment. It is a table which shows the 6th example of the rotation control time set to the rotation control time memory | storage part 22 in 1st Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the system by 2nd Embodiment. It is a table which shows the information recorded on utilization time storage part 21 in a 2nd embodiment. It is a table which shows the information recorded on rotation control time storage part 22 in a 2nd embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the rotation control time determination process in 2nd Embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating HDD control processing according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the rotation control time setting process shown to step A11 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the rotation control time setting process shown to step A11 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the rotation control time setting process shown to step A11 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the detail of the rotation control time setting process shown to step A11 of FIG. 3 is a table showing an example of logical unit information recorded in a logical unit information storage unit 23. It is a table which shows an example of the utilization time set to the utilization time memory | storage part 21 in 2nd Embodiment. It is a table which shows the 1st example of the information set to the rotation control time memory | storage part 22 in 2nd Embodiment. It is a table which shows the 2nd example of the rotation control time set to the rotation control time memory | storage part 22 in 2nd Embodiment. It is a table which shows the 3rd example of the rotation control time set to the rotation control time memory | storage part 22 in 2nd Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the system by 3rd Embodiment. It is a table which shows the information memorized by margin time storage part 24 in a 3rd embodiment. 14 is a flowchart illustrating HDD control processing according to the third embodiment. It is a table which shows the specific example of the information memorize | stored in the margin time memory | storage part 24 in 3rd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

1 processing device 2 storage device 3 HDD
4 Host 5 Input Device 6 Clock 11 Usage Time Setting Unit 12 Rotation Control Time Determination Unit 13 Time Judgment Unit 14 HDD Control Unit 15 State Change Time Learning Unit 21 Usage Time Storage Unit 22 Rotation Control Time Storage Unit 23 Logical Unit Information Storage Unit 24 Margin time storage unit A1-A5, A10, A11, B1-B13, C1-C42, C101-C156 steps

Claims (9)

A disk array control device for controlling the disk status of each of a plurality of hard disk drives provided in the disk array,
A rotation control time determination unit asking you to control time for controlling the respective disk status of the plurality of hard disk drives based on preset time information about the starting and stopping of use,
A hard disk drive control unit that controls a disk state of the hard disk drive at the control time determined by the rotation control time determination unit,
The time information includes use start time and use end time,
The rotation control time determination unit drives the corresponding hard disk drive from the set use start time to the use end time so as to rotate the disk and simultaneously change the disk state. A disk array control device that adjusts the control time of each of the hard disk drives determined based on the time information based on the mutual relationship between the control times . Arbitrary logical units are set on the storage area of the plurality of hard disk drives,
The preset time information is a use time set in association with the logical unit,
The rotation control time determination unit determines the control time of each of the hard disk drives from the association between the hard disk drive and the logical unit, the use time set for the logical unit, and the correlation between the use times. The disk array control device according to claim 1, wherein: A state change time learning unit that measures a state change time required from the start to the end of the change in the disk state of the hard disk drive under the control of the hard disk drive control unit;
3. The disk array according to claim 1, wherein the rotation control time determination unit uses the state change time measured by the state change time learning unit when determining the control time of each of the hard disk drives. Control device. A disk array control method for controlling a disk status of each of a plurality of hard disk drives provided in a disk array,
Obtaining a control time for controlling the disk state of each of the plurality of hard disk drives based on preset time information relating to start and stop of use ;
Controlling the disk status of the hard disk drive at the determined control time,
Furthermore, a use start time and a use end time are set as the time information, and during the set use start time to the use end time, the corresponding hard disk drive is driven to rotate the disk , and at the same time Adjusting the control time of each of the hard disk drives determined based on the time information based on the correlation between the control times so as to limit the number of hard disk drives that change the disk state, Disk array control method. An arbitrary logical unit is set on the storage area of the plurality of hard disk drives, and the preset time information is a use time set in association with the logical unit,
5. The control time of each of the hard disk drives is determined from the association between the hard disk drive and the logical unit, the use time set for the logical unit, and the correlation between the use times. The disk array control method described. Measure the state change time required from the start to the end of the change of the disk state of the hard disk drive,
6. The disk array control method according to claim 4, wherein the measured state change time is used when determining the control time of each of the hard disk drives. A program for operating a computer as a disk array control device that controls the disk status of each of a plurality of hard disk drives provided in the disk array,
And procedures asking you to control time for controlling the respective disk status of the plurality of hard disk drives based on preset time information about the starting and stopping of use,
Causing the computer to execute a procedure for controlling the disk state of the hard disk drive at the determined control time;
Furthermore, a use start time and a use end time are set as the time information, and during the set use start time to the use end time, the corresponding hard disk drive is driven to rotate the disk , and at the same time Adjusting the control time of each of the hard disk drives determined based on the time information based on the correlation between the control times so as to limit the number of hard disk drives that change the disk state, A program to be executed by a computer. An arbitrary logical unit is set on the storage area of the plurality of hard disk drives, and the preset time information is a use time set in association with the logical unit,
8. The control time of each of the hard disk drives is determined from the association between the hard disk drive and the logical unit, the use time set for the logical unit, and the correlation between the use times. The listed program. Measure the state change time required from the start to the end of the change of the disk state of the hard disk drive,
The program according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the measured state change time is used when determining the control time of each of the hard disk drives.

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